KASTEN SAYS FAREWELL TO HOUSE

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With tears in her eyes and voice cracking with emotion, state Rep. Mary Kasten bid farewell to her colleagues in the Missouri House of Representatives Wednesday, bringing to a close her 18-year legislative career.

"You have to be a member of this body to understand the camaraderie that comes about while you're here," said Kasten, a Cape Girardeau Republican. "It has been a great 18 years."

Kasten was one of three Southeast Missouri Republicans making their good-byes on the House floor. The others were Rep. Jim Graham of Fredericktown, Mo., and Rep. Bill Foster of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

The General Assembly had convened for its annual veto session, but no attempts were made to resurrect any of the legislation rejected over the summer by Gov. Mel Carnahan. Instead, the House spent nearly three hours honoring the 32 current members who are stepping down at the end of the year. Two others have already resigned from office.

Kasten was the last to be honored. Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, paid tribute to Kasten's contributions to the Legislature and the state.

"I truly believe we saved the best for last -- my friend Mary Kasten," Richardson said.

"If you want to paint a picture of someone who is committed to country, community and family, it would be Mary Kasten. During the years she's been in the Capitol, she has epitomized everything that is good in our state."

Richardson noted that Kasten, 72, is affectionately known to colleagues by many nicknames, including the Grand Old Lady of the Legislature and Mother Mary.

Although she wasn't one for giving frequent speeches on the floor, Kasten quietly left a lasting mark on state policy, particularly in areas related to children and education, Richardson said.

"Just because Mary Kasten had been a relatively quiet lady doesn't mean she hasn't been a fierce fighter for the things she believes in," Richardson said.

In his tribute to Graham, Rep. Matt Boatright, R-Sedalia, called him "a great mentor of mine."

"We are going to miss his model as a gentleman in this House," Boatright said.

Graham, 40, is stepping down after 10 years and will focus on his primary occupation, raising cattle. Coming from his background as a simple country boy, Graham said it was an honor to serve in the Legislature.

"We all have our memories on this floor -- some not so good, a lot of them great," Graham said. "It is an experience that happens once in a lifetime."

Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, poked fun at Foster, with whom he and several others share a section of offices, for Foster's annual -- and unsuccessful -- attempts to ban alcohol in the Capitol.

"Ever since he's been here we haven't had any parties in the complex," Schwab said.

Schwab praised Foster for his dedication to the job during seven years in office.

"You all know he works very hard on the floor, but he works even harder with his constituents," Schwab said. "We are going to miss Bill, but we are looking forward to seeing you across the hall and working with you there."

Foster, 53, hopes to return to the General Assembly in January as a senator. He is working to unseat veteran Sen. Jerry T. Howard, D-Dexter, in the November election.

"It has truly been a honor to serve up here and to meet many new friends. I'm going to miss each of you," Foster said. "I do encourage you to come over to the Senate next year and see me."

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